A Jefferson County woman has filed suit against the man she claims is making a living by romancing women and then borrowing money from them.
Beverly Hickman claims she lent defendant Robert Horowitz tens of thousands of dollars in 2009 after he wooed her and claimed to need money for himself and for his business, defendant Senior's Choice.
"He (Horowitz) has developed, and utilizes, a business practice for himself and for his business, Senior's Choice, in which he romances middle-aged, single women and borrows money from them to float his business, maintain his cash flow, and maintain his personal lifestyle," the suit filed Feb. 18 in Jefferson County District Court states.
Hickman gave Horowitz his first loan in December 2008, which he repaid in January 2009, according to the complaint. Hickman loaned Horowitz a larger sum of money in February 2009, which Horowitz partially repaid, the suit states.
Finally, on June 25, 2009, while still owing Hickman nearly $23,000, Horowitz begged her to provide him with an additional $20,000 loan, saying he would repay her by August, the complaint says.
"In order to loan this money to Mr. Horowitz, Mrs. Hickman drew on a home mortgage line of credit, making herself vulnerable to foreclosure on her home and loss of her residence in the event of Mr. Horowitz's default," the suit states.
Horowitz failed to repay Hickman after he developed a new romantic interest, she claims.
Horowitz claimed he attempted to repay Hickman, but the bank denied receiving any of his money. When Hickman attempted to cash a $1,000 check Horowitz gave her, the check bounced back, according to the complaint.
When Horowitz discovered that Hickman intended to file suit against him, he repaid some of the money, but not the full amount, the suit states.
Because of Horowitz's failure to repay her, Hickman has suffered mental anguish, loss of reputation and damage to her credit rating, the complaint says.
In addition to the money she says Horowitz owes her, Hickman is seeking exemplary damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Dana Timaeus of Timaeus and Rose in Beaumont will be representing her.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B189-398